"I previously expressed remorse to the Commission for making remarks that were critical of my colleagues." This is from the Response of Judge [former] Deann M. Salcido to an inquiry by the Commission on Judicial Performance.
Some of the critical comments found enumerated in the inquiry?
In regards to a criminal order entered by judge Peter Gallagher, former Judge Salcido said "Ah, Judge Gallagher, aka assistant public defender". Former Judge Salcido responded "This nickname was given to Judge Gallagher by some of the District Attorneys appearing before him."
Former Judge Salcido later commented "Is that ridiculous that Judge Gallagher did that. I mean it's a sex offender case. Yeah, whatever, you know. A DV statute says it's mandatory but, you know, we're the judge, we can do what we want. Quote. Justice be dambed."
In her response, Former Judge Salcido said "I made this comment to my staff because I was shocked and appalled that Judge Gallagher had not applied the mandatory provisions related to modification of formal probation for this sex offender case."
By stipulation, Former Judge Salcido received a public censure and resigned from the bench.
Judge Salcido did engage in conduct and make comments that this writer finds to be insensitive and to make light of situations that are grave and debilitating to the defendants she presided over. But the motivation and priorities of the Commission on Judicial Performance are also highly questionable. Though this reporter would agree that Salcido's demeanor was not judicial or respectable, it seems her decisions were fair, protected society and were meant to improve the lives of the defendants, also.
In contrast, many litigants in the Los Angeles Superior Court have complained to the Commission and also to this writer about the decisions coming out of the LASC. Even if a judge is not jovial, the decisions seem to the complainants to be motivated by politics, perhaps bribes and by the strange and unhealthy psychological make-up of the judicial officers and appointed collaterals.
Perhaps we can learn from Former Judge Salcido, that it is okay to make rediculous rulings, but God forbid you mention the Emporer has no clothes.
Comments
Would one find these comments made by an attorney, (who also is used as a judge pro tem,) disrespectful and worthy of some type of punnishment?
1) ___ is frustrated that my client has to pay for me to educate the judicial officer.
2) ___ is sitting in court while the judge talks incessantly to non represented parties about how they should behave.
(a reply to comment, by another,) Annoying
3) ____ to say the least
(reply by another) Oh, is Alan back on the family law bench?
4) ___ Worse, Im in Van Nuys
(Reply by another) doesn't it just make you want to scream "Get a damn lawyer, sheesh?
5) ___ It's not the parties, it's the Judge!
(reply by another) yeah, but the rules have him catering to folk too cheap and know-it-all to get lawyers.
6)___Him is a her.
Another post in reply to a question to go help the needy on skid row.
7) ____I am a family law attorney. I AM society's reject.
Now, does this sound like a person who should be sitting as a Judge Pro Tem, when this person clearly disrespects JO's, insults fellow family law attorneys, and pro se litigants?
Lets see, did Marjorie Steinberg find these comments and others offensive? Lets see what the Commission thinks.
Can attorneys, who sit as a temporary judge, make disrespectful comments on a public forum, and get away with it? Salcido didn't. and she was a REAL judge.
Yes, those comments are worthy of discipline, but from Judge Steinberg? That's a good one. Steinberg rarely if ever addresses the complaints sent to her. I think she has someone input the complaintant's name, on a standard letter that says, she doesn't find anything wrong. The Canons are written pretty clear, and temporary judges have to follow the same canons. If a litigant was to say those exact things to a Judge, they would be held in contempt. Why the CJP finds the actions of one Judge unethical, and worthy of action and not another one for the same thing, is strange. At least Salcido showed remorse, and made a public appology. How many Judges do that? Most, lie all the way to the end, and beyond. I have to say she deserves some credit for that.
Read George Orwell, "Animal Farm".
All animals are created equal, but some animals are more equal than others.
No animal shall walk on two legs, except the pigs.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!